WEC fighter Noah Thomas stopped by The INFO last week to discuss a number of topics including his military background, his current WEC status, and how he was able to get back in Zuffa’s good graces after his “street fight” with Marlon Sims on The Ultimate Fighter season five.
Thomas credits his time in the Marines as really helping him to mature and find direction in his life. “I always tell everyone that I was born in Colorado and raised in the Marine Corps,” said Thomas. “Not to take anything away from my parents, but the military helped me become the man I am, the drive and focus to be a mixed martial artist.”
That drive and focus definitely comes into play when it comes time to make weight. Thomas is an enormous bantamweight. “I really feel that 135 is the better weight for me. I walk around at 165 and I am able to cut those 30 pounds,” he said.
One would think cutting 30 lbs. when you only weigh 165 lbs. to start with would take an incredible toll on the mind and body. Thomas explained it just comes down to discipline and the size advantage it allows him is worth it in the cage.“It is not that hard. It takes some discipline in certain areas and it lets me be the much bigger fighter,” said Thomas. “I have made it so my body knows I need to make the weight and can do so fairly easily.”
Thomas had been on a 7-fight win streak before losing to Frank Gomez at WEC 41 back in June. Thomas did not feel he stepped into the cage fully prepared. “I took the fight on short notice,” said Thomas. “Not taking anything away for my opponent but I was not mentally there for that fight. I did not try and fight him. I tried to out-wrestle him or out-grapple him as opposed to just fighting him.”
Thomas made headlines with his in-house skirmish with fellow Ultimate Fighter 5 house mate Marlon Sims. Following the brawl, Dana White went on record stating that neither Sims or Thomas would compete under the Zuffa banner again.
While the threat has remained true for Sims, Thomas was able to impress the Zuffa brass with a win streak, improved maturity, and a little help from his friends Manny Gamburyan and Joe Lauzon.
“Everyone knows that you do not fight for Zuffa without the nod from Dana White, Reed Harris and the Fertitta brothers,” said Thomas. “Believe it or not Joe and Manny said some things to Dana along with my coach and manager. They said to reconsider me for the WEC following my wins. I made a mistake and was able to demonstrate that I am not a street thug. I am professional athlete. Thanks to Dana and Reed they gave me another shot to compete.”
Finally, Thomas expressed his pleasure in training with Joe Lauzon. “Joe is hurt right now as you know. But he comes out here and knows what I do and gives me a breath of fresh air when it comes to my training. My coach as well. He is the grease to help the wheel turn.”
To hear the complete interview with Noah Thomas check out episode 32 of The INFO.
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